Seizing the Day in Pasadena
By Pam Brown, mother of a liver recipient
Emma’s “Ride of a Lifetime” in the 2011 Rose Parade, sponsored by Astellas, is over and what a whirlwind experience it was. Emma and I were lucky to be joined not only by her brother, Nick, twin sister, Abby, Dad, Jeff, but also Aunt Bethe, and Grandma and Grandpa Lehman.
The Family!
It was a very humbling and awe inspiring experience to meet all the other recipients (like Emma), donors, donor family members, and individuals on the transplant waiting list who would be a part of the parade. We all shared stories, laughs, and tears.
While Emma enjoyed the Ride of a Lifetime on the Donate Life Float, our family enjoyed the Experience of a Lifetime sharing those incredible five days with her.
Our first night involved meeting the four other Astellas “Ride of a Lifetime” winners and quickly getting to know them like family.
Liver recipient, Emma, places roses in the Family Circle Garden
The next day we visited the float decorating barn and Emma placed a rose on the Donate Life float to honor her liver donor. She was also asked by Lifeline of Ohio donor parents Charles and Diane Knotts to place a rose in honor of their son, Eric. It was a very touching moment.
The following night we met all the other float riders and their families. Emma was reunited with her heart recipient friend, Brittany, whom she had played tennis against at the 2010 Transplant Games. The only other child rider and fellow liver recipient, Michael (Mickey), also became a quick friend.
Our whirlwind experience continued early the next morning for all day float decorating, and let me tell you, this is serious business! It was amazing to see all the planning and hours that go into each float and to learn how tough it really is to make something so beautiful.
Some of our crew were prepping flowers, others were gophers, Aunt Bethe and Abby spent hours perfectly arranging commemorative roses in the Family Circle Rose Garden, and a few of our braver family members were up on scaffolding meticulously gluing individual carnation petals onto the top kite and butterfly wings. We were concerned the float wouldn’t get finished on time, but it turned out perfectly.
Emma on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float
Friday was the official float judging and practice for the Ride. All the riders were seated and pretended to be rolling down the street while the judges reviewed our work and the whole feel of the float. We family members were allowed to watch and wave back to our riders. Nearly everyone was blotting away tears, including the judges, as they took in the love and memories that went into making this float.
The morning of the Rose Parade was chilly, but bright and we learned immediately that our Seize the Day Donate Life float was voted best “Theme Award.” Obviously, the judges were as inspired by our message of hope, survival, and love of life as were the 900,000+ cheering in the crowd were. Words really can’t describe the feelings I felt watching my smiling, waving daughter roll by, but if I had to narrow them down: pride, love, courage, and inspiration come to mind.
Throughout our dramatic journey in the transplantation world for the past 3.75 years, the theme Seize the Day fits. Most folks don’t truly appreciate life until you’ve almost lost it and miraculously been given a second chance. This is the message that I hold close and hope to inspire others with to make the most of each day as well. Unfortunately, too many don’t get that second chance. We were some of the lucky ones.
2 Comments »
Terri Louder
Well said, Pam! It was an amazing experience. I’m so glad I was able to be there to see Emma become a part of this beautiful float experience. Thanks for all you and your family do to promote the message!
Linda Jones
Emma what a wonderful opportunity you expereinced and what a wonderful opportunity to promote organ and tissue donation. Congratulations on being chosen to ride in the parade and enjoying the Parade and activities assoicated with The Donate Life Float.